“You alright?”
No. Not even a little.
“I’m fine.”
He stepscloser, carefully, like he's approaching a frightened animal. “Addie, talk to me.”
“I’m sorry.”
The words spill out automatically. Instinctively. The way they always used to.
If I apologize first, maybe the punishment is smaller. Maybe it ends sooner.
“Why are you apologizing?”
“What?”
“Why are you apologizing?” he asks again.
I stare at him.
Because that's what happens next.
Isn't it?
“Addie, where are you going?”
I shake my head. “Back to my place, I guess.”
“Why?”
“What do you mean why?” I ask, like it’s a stupid question. “We fought. You’re upset. I know how this ends, so let’s just end it now.”
Oliver is quiet for a moment.
“I was frustrated. Not mad,” he finally says. “But that doesn’t mean we fought, or that anything is ending.”
I let out a shaky breath. “That’s just… not what I’m used to. With Matt, I—”
“I’m not Matt.”
Tears sting my eyes. “I know.”
“I don’t think you do.” Oliver’s voice is calm, but hits me deeply. “Because it feels like I’m standing in his shadow, paying the price for something I didn’t do. Something I wouldneverdo.”
There’sno judgement in his voice. Just sadness. Sad that I’ve been conditioned to believe the worst, and sad that I would expect it from him.
“Listen, Addie,” Oliver says firmly. “We disagreed, that’s all. I can handle your opinions, but if this is going to work—”
“If this works?” I cut in. “Oliver, it’s temporary.”
His eyes hold mine. “Temporary or not, you need to trust me. I need to trust you. Otherwise, we’re just waiting for the bomb to detonate, yeah?”
And then he pulls me in, warm and steady. It’s not forgiveness, it’s understanding. And that’s one thing I never thought I would have.
“I like fighting with you, Addie.” A crooked smile stretches across Oliver’s face. “I like when you push me.”
“Yeah?”
